Last updated on February 24th, 2025 at 03:14 am
Growing up with a narcissistic sibling can deeply affect a brother’s sense of self and emotional well-being, making every day feel like walking on thin ice. I remember constantly second-guessing myself, questioning if I was the problem in our dynamic.
Psychological studies reveal that having a narcissistic sibling often leads to traits like excessive guilt, fear of being selfish, and even avoidant attachment styles.
You might notice yourself avoiding conflict or finding it hard to trust others. These patterns don’t just vanish—they shape the person we become.
Discover the psychological impact a narcissistic sibling may have on a brother or sister, including changes in personality, self-confidence, and long-term emotional health.
Key Takeaways
Having a narcissistic sibling can make you feel unworthy or guilty.
Narcissistic siblings may twist situations, causing self-blame and confusion.
You might avoid fights, but learning to set limits is key.
You may fear being selfish and try to please others.
Gaslighting can make you doubt your thoughts.
Trying to be perfect might come from avoiding criticism.
How Does a Narcissistic Sibling Affect the Personality of a Brother or Sister?
Self-Blamer vs. Other-Blamer Dynamics
Narcissists deflect shame; victims internalize guilt and excessive accountability.
Growing up with my narcissistic sibling, I often felt like I was carrying the weight of every mistake in the house. If something went wrong, it was somehow my fault. My sibling had this uncanny ability to twist situations, making themselves look blameless while I was left apologizing for things I didn’t even do. Does this sound familiar to you?
Narcissists are experts at deflecting shame. They’ll point fingers, shift blame, and make you question your reality. Over time, I started to believe I was the problem. I’d replay situations in my head, wondering if I could’ve done something differently.
Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist and author of Rethinking Narcissism, explains, “Narcissists thrive on avoiding accountability. They project their flaws onto others, leaving their victims to carry the emotional burden.”
Forced Apologies and Scapegoating
Victims are coerced into accepting blame for the narcissist’s actions, even with witnesses.
One of the most frustrating parts of living with a narcissistic sibling was the forced apologies. Even when everyone knew they were in the wrong, I was the one who had to say, “I’m sorry.” It wasn’t just humiliating—it was confusing. Why was I apologizing for their behavior?
Narcissists use scapegoating as a way to maintain control. They’ll bully, criticize, and even threaten to make you take the fall. I remember one time my sibling broke a family heirloom.
This pattern of scapegoating can have serious mental health consequences:
Victims often develop social anxiety, fearing judgment from others.
Constant blame leads to feelings of low self-worth and emotional trauma.
Over time, victims may struggle with depression, mood swings, or even PTSD.
Conflict Avoidance and Passivity
Learned peacemaking behaviors lead to fear of confrontation and assertiveness.
When you grow up with a narcissistic sibling, conflict feels like a minefield. I learned early on that standing up for myself only made things worse. My sibling would escalate arguments until I gave in, so I started avoiding confrontation altogether.
Research shows that children in these environments often carry these patterns into adulthood. They may tolerate mistreatment in relationships, believing they deserve it.
Fear of Being “Selfish”
Overcompensation through extreme kindness, lack of boundaries, and people-pleasing.
Growing up, I constantly worried about being seen as selfish. My narcissistic sibling had a way of making me feel guilty for even the smallest acts of self-care. If I wanted time to myself or said no to something, they’d accuse me of being inconsiderate.
Over time, I started bending over backward to prove I wasn’t selfish. I’d go out of my way to help others, even when it left me drained.
Psychologists explain that this fear stems from low self-worth and a paralyzing fear of judgment. Victims of narcissistic siblings often:
Feel flawed or unlovable.
Develop social anxiety, fearing they’ll be seen as a burden.
Struggle with setting boundaries, leading to emotional exhaustion.
Gaslighting and blame-shifting create persistent uncertainty in victims’ judgment.
Gaslighting was a constant in my relationship with my sibling. They’d twist the truth so convincingly that I started doubting my own memories. If I called them out on their behavior, they’d say, “You’re imagining things,” or, “You’re too sensitive.” Over time, I began questioning my reality.
Gaslighting is a form of abuse where someone manipulates you into thinking that you’re crazy for things that others can’t see. Warning signs include continual criticism, blaming for things that aren’t your fault, and public embarrassment.
The emotional toll of gaslighting is profound. Victims often experience:
Anxiety and depression.
Trauma bonding, where they feel emotionally tied to their abuser.
Perfectionism, fear of failure, and preemptive self-criticism to avoid shame.
Perfectionism became my shield against my sibling’s criticism. If I could do everything perfectly, maybe they wouldn’t find a reason to blame me. I’d triple-check my homework, rehearse conversations in my head, and avoid risks at all costs. But no matter how hard I tried, it was never enough.
Experts say this perfectionism often develops as a coping mechanism for the “good child” in a narcissistic family dynamic. Traits associated with this include:
Over-responsibility.
Anxiety and difficulties in relationships.
Dr. Karyl McBride, author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?, explains, “Children of narcissistic families often strive for perfection to gain approval, but this only reinforces their feelings of inadequacy.”
Avoidant Attachment Style
Distrust of vulnerability, fear of dependence, and emotional guardedness.
Growing up with my narcissistic sibling, I learned early on that showing vulnerability was dangerous. If I opened up about my feelings, they’d twist my words or use them against me later. I remember once confiding in them about a bad grade I got in school.
Here’s how this attachment style often shows up:
Fear of dependence: I avoid asking for help, even when I need it.
Emotional guardedness: I struggle to express my feelings, fearing judgment.
Distrust in relationships: I assume people will let me down, so I don’t fully invest.
Learned Helplessness
Tolerance of abuse due to ingrained self-sacrifice and submission.
Living with a narcissistic sibling taught me to accept mistreatment as normal. They’d criticize me, take credit for my achievements, and even humiliate me in front of others. I felt powerless to stop it. Over time, I stopped trying. I thought, “What’s the point? Nothing will change.”
Here’s what I’ve learned about breaking free:
Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
Fear of failure | Take small, manageable risks. |
Self-sacrificing attitudes | Practice saying “no” without guilt. |
Tolerance of abuse | Set firm boundaries with others. |
Explosive Anger
Suppressed resentment leading to overreactions, often weaponized by narcissists.
For years, I bottled up my frustration with my sibling. I stayed quiet to keep the peace, but inside, I was seething. Eventually, all that suppressed anger would come out in explosive ways. I’d yell or slam doors, and then feel ashamed for losing control.
Here’s why this happens:
Years of mistreatment build up resentment.
Gaslighting makes you question your feelings, adding to the frustration.
When you finally react, they label you as “emotional” or “out of control.”
Difficulty Accepting Compliments
Distrust of praise due to narcissists’ manipulation and false flattery.
Growing up, I never knew how to handle compliments. If someone said something kind, like “You’re so talented,” I’d immediately brush it off or assume they didn’t mean it. My narcissistic sibling played a big role in this. They’d give me fake compliments, only to tear me down later.
Here’s what I’ve learned about why this happens:
Victims of emotional abuse often struggle with low self-worth, making it hard to believe positive messages.
Compliments can feel like manipulation, especially when they’ve been used as weapons in the past.
A pervasive sense of defectiveness leads to anxiety and depression, making praise feel uncomfortable.
Fear of judgment heightens social anxiety, complicating the ability to accept compliments.
Over-Responsibility vs. Under-Functioning
Victims become hyper-competent to compensate for the narcissist’s irresponsibility.
In my family, I was the one who always had to step up. My sibling rarely helped with chores or took responsibility for anything. If something needed to be done, it fell on me. I remember being 12 years old and feeling like I was the “parent” in the house. My sibling, on the other hand, got away with doing nothing.
Here’s how over-responsibility develops:
The responsible sibling often takes on caregiving roles, starting in childhood.
They develop traits like excessive guilt and perfectionism to gain approval.
This pattern leads to conflict avoidance, passivity, and a lack of assertiveness.
Self-Sabotage and Downplayed Success
Minimizing achievements to avoid triggering the narcissist’s jealousy.
Whenever I achieved something, I felt like I had to hide it. If I got a good grade or won an award, my sibling would find a way to make it about them.
Avoidance of Competition
Guilt over “winning” stifles career growth and healthy ambition.
Growing up, I always felt like I had to dim my light around my sibling. If I excelled at something, it wasn’t celebrated—it was criticized or ignored. I remember winning a school art competition once.
Codependency and Attracting Abusers
Over-generosity and enabling behaviors draw future narcissists into victims’ lives.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but growing up with a narcissistic sibling set me up for unhealthy relationships later in life.
I became so used to putting others first that I didn’t even notice when people started taking advantage of me. I’d bend over backward to make others happy, even if it left me feeling drained or unappreciated.
Looking back, I can see the patterns of codependency that developed:
A history of relationships where abuse or manipulation was present.
Difficulty feeling close to others, despite craving connection.
Low self-esteem and a constant need for validation.
Feeling like my worth depended on how much I could give to others.
Victims of narcissistic siblings often struggle with these traits. They fear vulnerability and avoid interdependent relationships, leading to loneliness.
Narcissists destroy family bonds through lies to monopolize attention/resources.
One of the hardest parts of growing up with a narcissistic sibling was watching how they manipulated our family. They’d twist the truth, pit people against each other, and spread lies to keep the spotlight on themselves. It created so much tension and mistrust.
Here’s how this played out in my family:
My sibling would tell my parents one thing and me another, creating confusion and conflict.
They’d exaggerate their struggles to gain sympathy, while downplaying mine.
They’d criticize me behind my back, making it hard for me to feel supported.
The psychological effects of this manipulation are profound:
Psychological Effect | Description |
|---|---|
Feelings of Inadequacy | Constant criticism made me feel like I could never measure up. |
Low Self-Esteem | Years of blame and manipulation eroded my confidence. |
Emotional Emptiness | The lack of genuine connection left me feeling isolated. |
Distorted Sense of Reality | I started questioning my own perceptions and experiences. |
Conditional Love & Approval | I felt like I had to earn love by meeting impossible expectations. |
Secrecy and Denial | Open discussions about the dysfunction were discouraged, keeping the cycle alive. |
How Parents Create Narcissistic Children
The Golden Child Syndrome: How Excessive Praise Fuels Narcissism
Growing up, I saw firsthand how favoritism can shape a child’s personality. My cousin was the “golden child” in her family. She could do no wrong, and her parents constantly praised her, even for the smallest things.
Parents often think they’re helping their child by showering them with praise, but too much can backfire. When children are told they’re special all the time, they start to expect the world to treat them the same way.
Psychologists call this the “Golden Child Syndrome.” It’s not just about praise—it’s about creating unrealistic expectations.
Here’s how this dynamic can lead to narcissistic traits:
Unrealistic expectations: Golden children feel immense pressure to meet their parents’ high standards, which can damage their self-esteem.
Entitlement: Constant praise fosters an inflated sense of self-worth, making it hard for them to empathize with others.
Lack of critical feedback: Without constructive criticism, they struggle to handle failure or rejection.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula explains, “Favoritism in parenting creates a distorted sense of self. Golden children often grow up believing they’re superior, but this belief is fragile and easily threatened.”
The Narcissist’s Mask: When Emotional Neglect Breeds Grandiosity
I’ve always found it fascinating how two siblings can grow up in the same household yet turn out so differently. One might become empathetic and grounded, while the other develops narcissistic traits. In many cases, emotional neglect plays a huge role.
Here’s what emotional neglect teaches children:
Love is transactional: They believe they must achieve or perform to gain approval.
Vulnerability is dangerous: They suppress their emotions to avoid rejection.
Self-worth depends on others: They seek validation from external sources, like achievements or admiration.
Mirroring Narcissistic Traits
I’ve noticed that children often mimic the behaviors they see in their parents. If a parent is narcissistic, their child might adopt similar traits. It’s not always intentional—it’s just what they’ve been exposed to.
In my experience, this “mirroring” happens in two ways:
Direct modeling: The child copies the parent’s behavior, believing it’s normal.
Survival strategy: The child adopts narcissistic traits to gain the parent’s approval or avoid conflict.
Here’s how narcissistic modeling shapes children:
Lack of empathy: They struggle to connect with others emotionally.
Manipulative tendencies: They learn to use others to get what they want.
Fragile self-esteem: They rely on external validation to feel worthy.
Trophy Children: When Love Depends on Performance
Growing up, I often felt like love in my family came with strings attached. My parents praised my sibling endlessly for their achievements, while my efforts seemed invisible. It wasn’t just about doing well—it was about being the best. If I didn’t measure up, I felt like I didn’t matter.
Here’s how this dynamic can shape a child’s personality:
Pressure to perform: Children feel they must excel to earn love, leading to anxiety and perfectionism.
Fragile self-esteem: Their worth becomes tied to achievements, making failure devastating.
Sibling rivalry: Competition for parental approval creates tension and resentment.
Lack of Boundaries & Overindulgence
In my family, boundaries didn’t exist. My sibling could do whatever they wanted without consequences. If they wanted my toys, they took them. If they wanted to interrupt my conversations, they did. My parents rarely stepped in, often saying, “That’s just how they are.”
Here’s what I’ve noticed about families with poor boundaries:
Entitlement: Overindulged children expect others to cater to their needs.
Lack of accountability: Without consequences, they struggle to take responsibility for their actions.
Emotional exhaustion: Siblings often feel drained from constantly giving in.
Family Roles: How Favoritism Breeds Narcissistic Siblings
Favoritism in families doesn’t just hurt the overlooked child—it also fuels narcissistic behaviors in the favored one. My sibling was the “golden child,” while I was often cast as the “scapegoat.” This dynamic created a rift between us that still hasn’t healed.
Here’s how favoritism contributes to narcissism:
Validation-seeking: Favored children develop a deep need for approval, driving competitive behavior.
Shaming and blaming: They use manipulation to maintain their status, creating fear and resentment among siblings.
Estrangement: Siblings grow distant, unable to connect due to the toxic dynamic.
“Narcissists thrive in environments where favoritism fuels their need for validation,” says Dr. Craig Malkin. “This dynamic often leads to estrangement and emotional distress among siblings.”
Impact of Favoritism | On the Golden Child | On the Scapegoat |
|---|---|---|
Validation-seeking | Constant need for approval | Struggles with self-worth |
Competitive behavior | Keeps score against siblings | Avoids competition to keep the peace |
Emotional disconnect | Struggles to empathize with others | Feels isolated and misunderstood |
Parentification: When a Child Becomes a Parent’s Confidant
When I was a kid, I often felt like I had to grow up faster than my peers. My narcissistic sibling demanded so much attention that my parents leaned on me for emotional support. I became their confidant, the one they vented to when things got tough.
At the time, I thought I was just being helpful, but looking back, I realize how much it shaped me.
Living Vicariously: How Parents Project Their Ambitions Onto Kids
Growing up, I often felt like my sibling was living out my parents’ dreams. They were pushed into activities my parents loved, from sports to music, while I was left to figure things out on my own. It wasn’t just favoritism—it was projection.
The Empathy Deficit: When Parents Fail to Teach Compassion
One of the most striking things about my sibling was their lack of empathy. They rarely considered how their actions affected others, and my parents didn’t seem to notice.
Lack of Emotional Support
Feeling Isolated Within the Family
Growing up, I often felt like I was invisible in my own home. My parents were so focused on my narcissistic sibling that my needs seemed like an afterthought.
This lack of emotional support made me feel incredibly isolated. It wasn’t just about being ignored—it was the sense that my feelings didn’t matter. In families like mine, children often feel emotionally abandoned.
Parents may unintentionally place siblings in competitive roles, which only deepens the divide. Instead of fostering connection, this dynamic creates tension and resentment.
Here’s what I’ve learned about how emotional neglect affects siblings:
Isolation: Without parental support, siblings struggle to form close bonds.
Competition: Parents often pit siblings against each other, leading to abusive dynamics.
Emotional turmoil: The lack of nurturing relationships leaves children feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
Absence of a Safe Space to Express Emotions
In my family, emotions were a minefield. If I expressed sadness or frustration, my sibling would mock me, and my parents would dismiss it as “overreacting.” I quickly learned to bottle up my feelings. It felt safer to stay quiet than risk being ridiculed or ignored.
Here’s how emotional neglect affects children in narcissistic families:
Fear of vulnerability: Children learn to suppress their emotions to avoid rejection.
Lack of protection: Parents often fail to shield the weaker sibling, exacerbating feelings of insecurity.
Emotional disconnection: Without a safe space, siblings struggle to develop empathy and trust.
Narcissistic Sibling Affect Brother or Sister
Manipulative Behaviors
Blame-shifting and gaslighting
Growing up, I often felt like I was living in a world where the rules constantly changed. My sibling had a knack for twisting situations to make themselves look innocent while I ended up carrying the blame.
If they broke something, they’d say, “You distracted me,” or, “You left it in my way.” It didn’t matter if the truth was obvious—somehow, I was always at fault.
Gaslighting was another tool they used to keep me off balance. They’d say things like, “You’re imagining things,” or, “You’re too sensitive,” whenever I tried to call out their behavior.
Undermining trust and emotional support
One of the hardest parts of having a narcissistic sibling was the lack of emotional safety. I couldn’t confide in them without worrying they’d use my vulnerabilities against me later. For example, I once shared how nervous I was about a school presentation.
Instead of support, they laughed and told me I’d probably mess it up. Moments like that taught me to keep my guard up.
Toxic Family Environment
Creating a sense of powerlessness
Living in a household dominated by a narcissistic sibling felt like being stuck in quicksand. No matter how hard I tried to stand up for myself, I’d get pulled back down.
My sibling’s constant need for control left little room for my voice or opinions. If I disagreed with them, they’d escalate the situation until I gave in.
Straining sibling relationships
The constant manipulation and favoritism in my family didn’t just affect me—it drove a wedge between me and my other siblings. My narcissistic sibling often played us against each other, spreading lies or exaggerating conflicts to keep the spotlight on themselves.
Here’s how a toxic family environment can strain sibling relationships:
Behavior | Impact on Siblings |
|---|---|
Favoritism | Creates jealousy and resentment. |
Manipulation | Undermines trust and emotional connection. |
Lack of parental support | Forces siblings to fend for themselves. |
Key Personality Changes
Low Self-Worth
Internalizing criticism and blame
Growing up with my narcissistic sibling, I often felt like I was walking through life with a shadow over me. No matter what I did, it was never good enough. If I made a mistake, even a small one, my sibling would pounce on it, turning it into a spectacle.
Psychological Effects of Low Self-Worth | Impact |
|---|---|
Feeling helpless | Avoiding challenges or risks |
Depression and anxiety | Struggling with emotional stability |
Learned helplessness | Submitting to toxic relationships |
People-Pleasing Tendencies
Overcompensating to avoid conflict
I became a people-pleaser without even realizing it. My sibling’s constant manipulation taught me that the easiest way to avoid conflict was to give in. If they wanted something, I’d hand it over. If they criticized me, I’d apologize—even when I wasn’t at fault.
This pattern followed me into adulthood. I found myself saying “yes” to things I didn’t want to do, just to keep the peace. I’d bend over backward to make others happy, even at my own expense. Experts say this behavior stems from emotional manipulation during childhood. Victims often:
Develop self-sacrificing attitudes.
Fear dependence on others, leading to excessive independence.
Avoid conflict, even when it’s necessary.
People-Pleasing Traits | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|
Avoiding conflict | Difficulty asserting boundaries |
Excessive independence | Struggles with trust in relationships |
Internalized guilt | Emotional exhaustion |
Fear of Judgment
Avoiding risks due to fear of failure
My sibling’s constant criticism made me terrified of failure. I avoided anything that might lead to judgment, whether it was speaking up in class or applying for a leadership role. I thought, “Why try if I’m just going to mess it up?”
This fear didn’t just hold me back—it stifled my creativity. I hesitated to share my ideas, worried they’d be dismissed or ridiculed. Studies show that fear of judgment can lead to missed opportunities and hinder personal growth.
Fear of Judgment | Impact on Growth |
|---|---|
Missed opportunities | Declining promotions or new challenges |
Stifled creativity | Avoiding risks necessary for innovation |
Emotional and Behavioral Impacts
Anxiety and Hypervigilance
Anticipating criticism or conflict
Growing up with my narcissistic sibling, I felt like I was always on edge. I never knew when they’d lash out or twist a situation to make me look bad. It was like living in a constant state of “fight or flight.”
Signs of Hypervigilance | How It Shows Up |
|---|---|
Overthinking conversations | Replaying interactions to avoid mistakes |
Avoiding social situations | Fear of judgment or criticism |
Physical tension | Constantly feeling “on guard” |
Difficulty relaxing or feeling secure
Relaxing felt impossible in my house. Even when things seemed calm, I knew it wouldn’t last. My sibling had a way of creating chaos out of nowhere. I’d sit in my room, trying to read or watch TV, but my mind would race with “what ifs.” What if they barged in? What if I said the wrong thing at dinner?
Guilt and Shame
Feeling responsible for the sibling’s behavior
My narcissistic sibling had a way of making me feel like everything was my fault. If they were upset, it was because I didn’t do enough to make them happy. If they got in trouble, they’d say, “You should’ve warned me.” I carried this guilt like a heavy backpack, always trying to fix things that weren’t my responsibility.
Common Guilt Triggers | Impact on Victims |
|---|---|
Taking responsibility for others’ emotions | Struggling to set boundaries |
Apologizing excessively | Feeling unworthy of love or respect |
Avoiding self-care | Believing it’s “selfish” to prioritize yourself |
Struggling with self-forgiveness
One of the hardest things for me has been forgiving myself. I’d replay moments where I didn’t stand up to my sibling and think, “Why didn’t I do more?” But here’s the truth: I did the best I could with the tools I had at the time.
Learned Helplessness
Believing they have no control over their circumstances
After years of dealing with my sibling’s manipulation, I started to believe that nothing I did would make a difference. If I stood up for myself, they’d escalate the situation. If I stayed quiet, they’d find another way to hurt me. It felt like I was trapped in a no-win situation.
Signs of Learned Helplessness | How It Affects Daily Life |
|---|---|
Avoiding challenges | Fear of failure or rejection |
Feeling stuck | Believing change isn’t possible |
Neglecting self-improvement | Avoiding opportunities for growth |
Avoiding opportunities for growth or change
For years, I avoided taking risks because I didn’t believe I could succeed. I’d think, “Why bother? It won’t work out anyway.” This mindset held me back in so many ways, from pursuing career opportunities to building meaningful relationships.
Long-Term Effects
Lingering Patterns
How early experiences shape adult relationships
Growing up with a narcissistic sibling left a lasting imprint on how I approach relationships. I often found myself replaying the same toxic dynamics I experienced as a child.
Conclusion
Growing up with a narcissistic sibling often leaves lasting scars. Constant competition for attention, belittling remarks, or emotional manipulation can crush self-esteem.
Siblings may grow up feeling “never good enough,” internalizing guilt or shame, or suppressing their needs to avoid conflict. Over time, this breeds anxiety, self-doubt, or people-pleasing habits just to keep the peace.
The long-term effects? Trust issues. Many struggle to form healthy relationships, fearing criticism or rejection. Some become overly independent, avoiding vulnerability, while others mirror narcissistic traits to protect themselves.
Therapy often reveals buried resentment or a warped sense of responsibility—like always feeling obligated to “fix” others.
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Co-Parenting With A Narcissist
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of having a narcissistic sibling?
From my experience, narcissistic siblings often dominate conversations, dismiss your feelings, and blame you for their mistakes. They might manipulate situations to make themselves look better or constantly seek attention. If you feel drained or invalidated after interacting with them, these could be signs.
How can I set boundaries with a narcissistic sibling?
Setting boundaries felt impossible at first, but I learned to start small. I’d say things like, “I can’t talk right now,” or “That’s not okay with me.” Consistency is key. Over time, they realized I wouldn’t tolerate certain behaviors anymore.
Can a narcissistic sibling affect my mental health?
Absolutely. I struggled with anxiety, low self-esteem, and constant self-doubt because of my sibling’s behavior. Studies show that growing up in a toxic environment can lead to long-term emotional challenges, like difficulty trusting others or setting boundaries.
Why do narcissistic siblings manipulate family dynamics?
Narcissists crave control and attention. My sibling often twisted the truth to make themselves look good or pit family members against each other. This kept the focus on them and made it harder for anyone to challenge their behavior.
Is it normal to feel guilty for distancing myself from my sibling?
Yes, it’s normal. I felt guilty too, but I realized that protecting my mental health wasn’t selfish—it was necessary. Dr. Ramani Durvasula says, “Setting boundaries with a narcissist is an act of self-preservation, not cruelty.”
Can therapy help me heal from a narcissistic sibling’s impact?
Therapy changed everything for me. It helped me unpack years of guilt and self-doubt. A therapist can guide you in rebuilding your confidence, setting boundaries, and breaking unhealthy patterns. It’s a safe space to process your emotions.
How do I stop attracting narcissistic people into my life?
I had to unlearn people-pleasing habits and recognize red flags early. Therapy helped me understand my worth and set boundaries. Now, I prioritize relationships where I feel respected and valued, rather than drained or manipulated.
Can a narcissistic sibling change their behavior?
In my experience, change is rare unless they acknowledge their behavior and seek help. Narcissists often resist accountability. Focusing on your own healing and boundaries is more effective than trying to change them.